Director Matthieu Branders gives a talk at the Forestry Elementary and Junior High School.

The Ambassadors on Campus talk organized by the Secretariat, New Taipei City Government was held in Forestry Elementary and Junior High School in Tucheng District, New Taipei City today (22nd). The Secretariat invited Matthieu Baudouin A. Branders, Director of the Belgian Office, Taipei, to act as the keynote speaker, leading nearly 130 teachers and students to transcend geographical distances and experience the cultural charm of Belgium.
 
In a presentation entitled "About Belgium," Branders introduced the country's position as the seat of the European Union (EU) and, in a simple and understandable manner, explained its multicultural identity shaped by three official languages. He also shared Belgium's outstanding achievements in advanced technology, architecture design, and comic art, urging students to cultivate cross-cultural and cross-disciplinary communication skills and become multi-talented individuals with international competitiveness. Students asked questions eagerly during the Q&A session, covering topics such as Belgium's role in the EU, the core competencies and challenges of a diplomat, and avenues of cooperation with Taiwan. The exchange was lively and thought-provoking.


Director Matthieu Branders and Po-Yuan Tsai, a second-year junior high school student.
 
Eighth-grader Po-Yuan Tsai said that he was deeply impressed by Belgian chocolate craftsmanship and amazed by the country's development in the high-tech and fashion industries. Seventh-grader Jung-Ping Chang showed keen interest in architectural aesthetics. Fascinated to find that Taipei's landmark building, Agora Garden, was designed by a Belgian architect, she hopes to visit Belgium in the future to embark on an in-depth architectural journey.
 
Wen-Yu Huang, Principal of Forestry Elementary and Junior High School, stated that in recent years the school has been committed to fostering a multilingual learning environment and integrating art into daily life through aesthetic education, which echoes the cultural heritage emphasized by Belgium. He thanked Branders for delivering a wonderful talk that incorporated food, art, and technology, allowing students to learn more about Europe from multiple perspectives. This also inspires them to develop diverse skills, cultivate an international perspective, and set forth on the path to becoming global citizens amid the globalization trend.
 
Hui-Mei Juh, Director General of the Secretariat, said that the Ambassadors on Campus is dedicated to breaking through geographical limitations, bringing a global outlook to campuses and allowing students to keep up with international developments. She remarked that each talk serves as a window to the world, which guides students to learn about a variety of diplomatic practices and broadens their international horizons. The program moves forward and the next event features Karten Tietz, Director General of the German Institute Taiwan, who will be sharing his experiences at Our Lady of Providence High School in Xindian District.


Director Matthieu Branders with teachers and students of Forestry Elementary and Junior High School.